Scroll Reconstruction: Fine Tuning of the Interface Between Middle and Lower Thirds in Rhinoplasty

Abstract

The junction between upper and lower lateral cartilages, known as “the scroll area,” is an important determinant of the spatial relationship between the middle and lower nasal thirds. We offer a graduated and reproducible surgical technique of scroll area management that takes into consideration anatomic, functional, and aesthetic relationships. This study was a retrospective review of the recorded intraoperative information to investigate the frequency of the use of scroll reconstruction techniques and perioperative parameters that relate to unintended component alterations in the scroll area. A total of 364 consecutive primary open approach rhinoplasty cases performed by the first author (O.B.) between July 2011 and September 2015 were included in the study. Of the 364 cases who underwent primary open approach rhinoplasty, 329 received some form of scroll reconstruction. Scroll reconstruction was performed in all deviated cases, and 88% of straight noses. The most common technique for scroll reconstruction was overlapping repair (88.3%). As expected, both alar rim and alar crease asymmetries were very frequent in the deviated nose group, 89.4% and 75% respectively. Alar rim and alar crease asymmetries were frequent enough in the straight nose group to deserve special attention, 14.2% and 10.4% respectively. With careful attention to anatomic details of the scroll area, nasal tip refinements can be performed with predictable safety and accuracy. Our approach is a graduated, reproducible, and individualized way of scroll area management that aims to create the ideal cartilage configuration while preventing unintended component alterations.